Stainless steel crowns are recommended for restoration of primary teeth with large cavities, particularly after pulp treatment, and teeth affected by enamel hypoplasia and severe erosion. The course is suitable for dentists and oral health therapists who seek an update on stainless steel crown techniques for primary teeth. The first part of the course will be a seminar on the theory of stainless steel crowns for the primary dentition. The second part will be a hands-on laboratory workshop on tooth preparation and fitting of stainless steel crowns.

OBJECTIVES OF COURSE
The course aims to provide dentists and oral health therapists with current concepts of the theory and techniques of stainless steel crown (SSC) restorations in the primary dentition After completing the course, participant should have the basic theoretical knowledge required for placement of SSC and be able to prepare and fit SSC in first and second maxillary and mandibular primary molars.

COURSE DETAILS

PART 1 of the course will be a seminar on the theory of stainless steel crowns for the primary dentition. The theoretical aspects of the course will be covered in 2.5 hours of lectures:

• Indications and contraindications of SSC, assessment of dental occlusion, types of crowns currently available
• Dental anatomical considerations of the primary teeth for SSC
• Local anaesthesia, rubber dam applications for SSC placement
• Conventional technique for SSC placement in primary molars - Tooth preparation for SSC – steps, instruments and techniques - Fitting of SSC- techniques and tips - Cementation of SSC- techniques
• Conservative technique for SSC placement - Tooth separation using orthodontic separators - Minimal tooth removal - Fitting and cementation
• Complications associated with SSC technique - Prevention and management
• Difficult cases
• Extended use of SSC e.g. Crown-loop space maintainers

PART II of the course will be a 3.5 hours practical workshop in the laboratory:

• Demonstration of the SSC technique
• Practical tooth preparation and fitting of SSC on natural and plastic first and second primary maxillary and mandibular molars.

ASSESSMENT
At the end of the course, participants will be assessed on their technical competency in tooth preparation and fitting of SSC in 4 natural primary molar teeth (one each of first and second maxillary and mandibular primary molars). The assessment will be conducted in the laboratory.